Invyr Holy Panda vs. Gateron Type A

Overview

When comparing the Invyr Holy Panda, a tactile switch, with the Gateron Type A, a linear switch, you'll find that they each offer distinct features catered to different preferences. The Holy Panda is renowned for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, making it a popular choice among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A stands out for its innovative design that reimagines traditional travel distances and factory lubing techniques, resulting in a sound signature leaning towards the deeper side of the spectrum. While the Holy Panda excels in providing pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, the Type A offers a more subdued sound experience, making it an ideal compromise for those seeking a medium-weight switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Invyr Holy Panda Tactile

Gateron Type A Linear

$12.00

$7.17 per 10

$4.70 per 10

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Housing materials

Both the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Type A switches feature nylon in their bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of this plastic. This results in a more muted and rounded sound when typing on these switches. However, the Holy Panda stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, giving it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is also beneficial for RGB lighting purposes, making it a more aesthetically versatile option compared to the Type A's nylon top housing.

While both switches share the use of nylon in their bottom housing, the differences in their top housing materials significantly impact their sound profiles. The Holy Panda's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, whereas the Type A's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound. These differences highlight how different housing materials can affect the overall sound experience of a mechanical keyboard. Despite the variations in sound profiles, both switches offer a tactile typing experience that is favored by many enthusiasts.

Ultimately, the choice between the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron Type A will come down to personal preferences in sound and feel. While the Holy Panda's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile with RGB lighting possibilities, the Type A's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a similar typing feel, but the differences in their top housing materials create distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Holy Panda has an actuation force of None grams, making it unknown and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Type A has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light. The Holy Panda is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Type A, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel for typing. In contrast, the Type A is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch is the same, both measuring at 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, the distance traveled from the top to the bottom will be consistent. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, users can expect similar results and experiences with both switches. It is worth noting that a 4 mm travel distance is considered standard for many mechanical keyboard switches, offering a balance between keypress depth and typing comfort. Overall, whether you choose the Holy Panda or the Type A switch, you can expect a comparable travel distance that provides a satisfying typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Holy Panda switch is revered for its sharp tactility, providing a bright "clack" sound with each keystroke that is unmatched in the tactile switch community. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A switch offers a sound signature leaning towards the deeper side of the spectrum, creating a more subdued and dampened sound when pressed. While sound preference is subjective and can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, users seeking a more pronounced and bright sound experience may lean towards the Holy Panda, while those preferring a subtler sound may opt for the Type A.

When it comes to feel, the Holy Panda switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience with a firm actuation force, providing an immersive typing sensation that is both responsive and snappy. This switch is known for its high feedback intensity, allowing users to distinctly feel the tactile bump with each keypress. In contrast, information regarding the feel of the Gateron Type A switch is currently unknown. If the Type A switch provides a medium tactile experience with a moderate actuation force, it may offer a different typing sensation compared to the sharp tactility of the Holy Panda.

In conclusion, the Invyr Holy Panda and Gateron Type A switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Holy Panda excels in providing a sharp, bright sound and an invigorating tactile experience, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Type A switch is positioned as a medium-weight option with a sound signature leaning towards the deeper side of the spectrum. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, users can expect to achieve similar levels of quality and satisfaction with either switch due to their reputation in the mechanical keyboard community.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, consider the level of bottom out force you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and want a switch known for its sharp tactility and pronounced feedback, the Holy Panda is your best choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and are looking for a switch with a sound signature leaning towards the deeper side of the spectrum, the Gateron Type A is the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Invyr Holy Panda Tactile

$12.00

$7.17 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Type A Linear

$4.70 per 10

Learn more